Harvey Elliott exit may open door for Liverpool to land Star | OneFootball

Florian Wirtz and Liverpool: How Harvey Elliott Could Unlock a Pivotal Summer Move

Liverpool’s interest in Florian Wirtz is no secret. The Bayer Leverkusen star has emerged as one of Europe’s most coveted attacking midfielders, blending creative flair with clinical output. Yet, in the complex world of elite transfers, it might take more than just financial firepower to prise him from Xabi Alonso’s Bundesliga-winning side. Enter Harvey Elliott – a young man whose future may not only determine his own path, but could also prove central to Liverpool’s pursuit of Wirtz.

Elliott’s Crossroads and Leverkusen’s Opening

Leverkusen’s managing director Simon Rolfes recently acknowledged Liverpool’s interest, albeit in typically reserved fashion. “It’s currently an open subject with Florian. There is concrete interest from Liverpool, but there’s no more to say right now. Florian is our player,” he said when pressed by the German media.

Beneath the diplomatic tone lies a transfer narrative quietly gathering pace. While Wirtz dazzles in the No.10 role, Elliott is reportedly viewed by Leverkusen as a natural successor should the German international move to Merseyside. It is a proposition that would suit all parties: Liverpool edge closer to Wirtz, while Elliott gains regular top-level minutes in a Champions League side shaped by Alonso’s modern footballing ideology.

At Anfield, the £40 million-rated Elliott has found opportunities limited. Across the 2024–25 campaign, the 21-year-old managed just two Premier League starts and one Champions League appearance. Despite flashes of brilliance, his minutes have been restricted – not necessarily through a lack of talent, but rather the fierce competition in a squad transitioning under Arne Slot.

Yet, Elliott’s attitude remains grounded and mature. He recently reflected, “I hope that I can push on [next season]. This is my team, I am committed to them and it’s just a situation that is always going to have a lot of talk. I just need to think about what is best for my future, my career and as much as I want it to be here.”

Balancing Sentiment with Career Progression

There’s a delicate emotional thread running through Elliott’s comments. He grew up supporting Liverpool. This is not just another club to him. “You never know what is going to happen around the corner. If I had it my way, that would be here, I would play each and every game here and stay here for the rest of my career but it all depends on managers, the people above and as I said you don’t know what could happen but as far as I am aware I am here, here to stay and this is the club I want to be at.”

Photo: IMAGO

But the game is often unforgiving. Young players need minutes, rhythm and trust. For Elliott, that next phase may well lie elsewhere – temporarily or permanently. “Hopefully, I am still here to be honest. It is the best place to be, the best club to be at and especially having the fans around us at the moment, I don’t think there is a better place to be playing,” he added.

His mentality is unshakeable. “Players go through ups and downs, but at the end of the day, you have to come out fighting, and I think it is within me to make it happen. So hopefully I can stay here for the rest of my career.”

Slot and the club’s recruitment team are acutely aware of what lies ahead. Should Elliott be included in a deal – even on a loan or buy-back basis – it may ease the negotiations for Wirtz and help the Reds land one of Europe’s most electrifying midfielders.

Wirtz’s Record Speaks Volumes

Florian Wirtz’s reputation is not built on hype alone. The 21-year-old has already amassed a glittering résumé:

In terms of output and consistency, Wirtz is already operating at elite levels. His combination of spatial awareness, final-third precision, and tactical versatility would make him an ideal fit in Slot’s fluid 4-2-3-1 system.

Liverpool’s Transfer Ambitions Go Beyond Wirtz

While Wirtz remains the marquee target, Liverpool are not limiting themselves. Reports suggest Arne Slot wants two further attacking additions to reshape the frontline. After all, the Dutchman has been tasked not just with evolution but sustained excellence.

Departures are also expected. Bayern Munich are reportedly circling one of Slot’s trusted men in a potential retaliatory move for Liverpool’s Wirtz chase. Caoimhin Kelleher, the dependable back-up keeper, is also nearing an £18 million switch – likely in search of first-team football.

Elsewhere, Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez continues to be linked with a move to Anfield, and sources suggest Liverpool are preparing a concrete offer this week. The young Hungarian left-back has impressed with his composure and engine, attributes that would slot well into Slot’s energetic, attacking blueprint.

Youth Value Remains Strong

As well as Elliott, Liverpool continue to value Jarell Quansah at around £40 million – a sign of the club’s belief in their emerging stars. Whether used in negotiations or kept as long-term assets, their stock remains strong in the eyes of Europe’s elite.

But if Liverpool truly want to elevate their creative ceiling, Wirtz is the prize. He is the kind of signing that underlines intent, excites supporters and fortifies a side already on the rise. Harvey Elliott, in turn, might just be the bridge that allows Liverpool to cross into that next phase.